wiper blades

[h_2_o]

OK i've searched through the threads and come up with some good stuff, the problem is it appears to be outdated. Bosch Icon blades appear to not even be made for the beetle any more, even looking at bosch's site they do not even support those blades. I don't want to have to order online for the valeo blades so what are good blades out there currently that you can actually buy?

thanks

[Smileybug]

The NB has never been listed for the Icons as far as I'm aware. I looked for years for those. I ran the Bosch Microedge blades and was happy with them. Not sure, but Bosch has a cheaper version of the Icons that I'm running on my GTI. You can check those and see if they are listed for the NB.

[LiftedBeetle]

I just bought and installed some bosch icons on my beetle. Every windshield wiper I have ever changed all mount the same, regardless of make or model, and I have easily changed out hundreds over the years. Just go to your local auto parts store and ask for one 21" blade (drivers side) and one 19" blade (passenger side). Like I said, I know bosch makes the icon blades in those sizes because I just bought them a week ago.

[Smileybug]

The size they make, but they don't list the NB in the application. I think it might have something to do with how the windshield curves.

[LiftedBeetle]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

The size they make, but they don't list the NB in the application. I think it might have something to do with how the windshield curves.

I am telling you, the model of car makes NO difference. They will work on the beetle, as I have them on mine right now! They are much better in all weather conditions (snow, ice, rain) than the stock type that were on there before.

[doublebarrel]

I put some Michelin Stealth wiper blades on mine a couple of months ago and I'm real happy with them.Got them at Walmart when I was on vacation and my Bosch were getting bad.

[Smileybug]

Originally Posted by LiftedBeetle

I am telling you, the model of car makes NO difference. They will work on the beetle, as I have them on mine right now! They are much better in all weather conditions (snow, ice, rain) than the stock type that were on there before.

I'm not saying they won't work, but if you look in the book or online, the NB is NOT listed for Icons. That much is true. I never ran them. Used the Microedges and they worked great and were much, much cheaper. I have a cheaper version of Icons on my GTI and they work well too. Also made by Bosch. Can't really figure out a difference between them and the Icons.

[boogety boogety]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

The size they make, but they don't list the NB in the application. I think it might have something to do with how the windshield curves.

I have Icons on my NBC... as well as on all our other cars that have needed blades in their term of service. Best replacement blades out there, bar none, and I've tried a bunch of them over the years.

Icons come in sizes (for example, "21" for 21") followed by a letter designation: "A" and "B". "A" wipers are for regular windshields, and "B" are for greater curvature in swept area. The "Bs," in other words, have a more aggressive arc on the frame. Should you use them in flatter areas, you might have a problem with them lifting in the center of the blade during their sweep. So, a 21A and a 19B will take care of your New Beetle.

So: For cars with the windshield wipers that rise towards the driver's side, get the "A" for the driver's side, and the "B" for the passenger side, and the reverse if your vehicle has windshield wipers that rise towards the passenger side.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by LiftedBeetle

I just bought and installed some bosch icons on my beetle. Every windshield wiper I have ever changed all mount the same, regardless of make or model, and I have easily changed out hundreds over the years. Just go to your local auto parts store and ask for one 21" blade (drivers side) and one 19" blade (passenger side). Like I said, I know bosch makes the icon blades in those sizes because I just bought them a week ago.

Why the shorter blade for the passenger side? The listing for the 2000 NB calls for 21inch blades for both driver and passenger sides??

[LiftedBeetle]

Idk. The parts jockey at the local Car Quest said that's what it called for. I know Sunfires and Cavaliers have smaller blades on the passenger side and I'm sure I've seen it that way on other cars as well. Not sure about the reason behind it.

[CoriBug]

I used Bosch Icon wipers for a year or so...the stock VW are just as good IMO.

[janitz]

Originally Posted by IndyTom

Why the shorter blade for the passenger side? The listing for the 2000 NB calls for 21inch blades for both driver and passenger sides??

I know we had a discussion somewhere here and a fellow was asking about sizes. I suggested a 20/20 fit because of the poor outer edge performance on some wiper blades. Primarily the passenger side, and a smaller blade held down better.

The A/B version sounds pretty spiffy, likely not something you'll see on the brands at walmart.

19 does sound small, and 21 definitely fits as that is what your car would have come with.

21 A for the driver, 21 B for the passenger side, everyone is happy?

[h_2_o]

well i didn't wait long enough to see that the icon's would just work so i decided to try the trico teflon because they had a little air foil to help hold them down on the winshield. waste of money stay away from these if you are looking for new blades. I wasted my cash i dont want to see anyone else make that mistake. I'll be replacing them soon with the bosche icons.


thanks for the input guys

[texvw]

I purchased a set of Icons a few wks ago. Finally got around to the install over weekend. I purchased 21E, not knowing that there was a difference in the blades. We played with installing these blades for an hour, checked out the Bosch site, a few others. These blades will not work on a NB. (If anyone has ever installed the E blade on their NB, please show me how it's done.)
So, installed a cheapy set of Michelins over weekend. Supposed to rain for next 3 days so we'll see how they do.

vicki

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by texvw

I purchased a set of Icons a few wks ago. Finally got around to the install over weekend. I purchased 21E, not knowing that there was a difference in the blades. We played with installing these blades for an hour, checked out the Bosch site, a few others. These blades will not work on a NB. (If anyone has ever installed the E blade on their NB, please show me how it's done.)
So, installed a cheapy set of Michelins over weekend. Supposed to rain for next 3 days so we'll see how they do.

vicki

Never heard of the Icon E blade before?? I knew they have A and B but E??

[Smileybug]

I don't remember what exactly the label was on them, but I did buy a set of Icons to try on my NB once and the hook system was entirely different and would not go on the car. Returned them and just got the Microedges again. No issues there ever.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

I don't remember what exactly the label was on them, but I did buy a set of Icons to try on my NB once and the hook system was entirely different and would not go on the car. Returned them and just got the Microedges again. No issues there ever.

We have standard hooks on our wiper arms so they will work fine with the Bosch Icons. I haven't tried them yet but I guess I might just have to now

[Smileybug]

Standard on my wiper arms, but not on the actual wipers I bought. It was really, really strange.

[nitroman]

Anyone every tried the Bosch Excel+ blades? It supposedly has the same "fx dual rubber technology" as the Icons, it's just not a blade style but the old spring style.

So far for me in Canada I haven't found any decent prices on the Icon, only at a local store which is like super expensive, but I was able to find some Excel+ for a good price.

[Smileybug]

I can never remember what mine are but I think I'm running those on my GTI and they work fine. I know they are Bosch and the cheaper version of the Icon. Don't really notice any difference and the cost is much more reasonable. Hubby bought them for me and I know I've asked him 20 times which they are but I can never remember